Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

The Lead Poisoning Prevention Program offers a variety of services with the goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning. The Lead Program ensures those living within our jurisdiction receive lead testing and information. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health provides for testing of the home environment and screening for elevated blood lead levels in children less than 6 years of age.

Services We Can Provide:

• Blood lead testing
• Environmental assessments of the home
• Healthcare provider education
• HEPA vacuum loan program
• Case management for children with elevated lead levels

What is lead poisoning?

Lead poisoning is the most common chronic poisoning and environmental illness in the United States. Lead poisoning is the elevation of the lead level in the body. It may cause damage to the brain and nervous system resulting in behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth and hearing problems. Even low levels of lead in the blood have been linked to a decrease in IQ. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has defined an Elevated Blood Lead Level (EBL) as a level exceeding 10 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dl). In 2007, the Greater Cleveland Lead Advisory Council adopted a local action level of 5 ug/dl.

Where does it come from?

Most homes built before 1978 have some lead based paint. Lead paint can be present on any painted surface. Lead is most often found on windows, trim, doors, railings, columns, porches and outside walls. The deterioration of these painted surfaces causes high levels of lead in dust. Lead dust settles on floors, window sills, soil and other surfaces. Small amounts of lead can also be found in drinking water. 

Who is at risk?

Young children less than 6 years of age are most at risk. The Greater Cleveland area represents the largest population concentration (1.4 million) and some of the oldest housing stock in the State of Ohio. The City of Cleveland and those communities sharing a border with Cleveland represent the populations with the highest risk of lead poisoning. As high as 1 in every 4 children under the age of 6, living in select neighborhoods, have been documented with elevated blood lead levels.

How does the lead get inside children's bodies?

The major route of lead ingestion is normal hand to mouth activity, and the placing of objects containing lead dust into the mouth. A small number of children may eat lead-based paint chips. Some lead dust may be inhaled if children are present when lead-based paint is disturbed.

Where are lead hazards commonly found in most homes?

The most common areas are window wells, porch floors, porch railings, and bare soil.

How do I know if my child should be tested for lead?

There are 3 ways to determine if a child is at risk:

1. Are you a Medicaid & Healthy Families & Healthy Start consumer? TEST, IT'S THE LAW!
2. Do you live in a high risk zip code?  TEST, IT'S THE LAW!
3. Complete the Risk Assessment Questionnaire if you live in a Low Risk Zip Code; If the answer to any question is YES or UNKNOWN, Does the child live in or regularly visit a residential unit, child day-care facility or school built before 1950?  TEST, IT'S THE LAW!
   * Does the child live in or regularly visit a house built before 1950? This includes a day care center,  preschool, or home of a baby sitter or relative.
   * Does the child live in or visit a house that has peeling, chipping, dusting or chalking paint?
   * Does the child live in or visit a house built before 1978 with recent, ongoing, or planned renovation or remodeling?
   * Does the child have a sibling or playmate who has or did have lead poisoning?
   * Does the child frequently come in contact with an adult who has a hobby or works with lead? (Construction, welding, pottery, painting and casting fishing sinkers or ammunition)

 If you answered YES to any of these questions, your child should be tested for lead.

Where can I have my child tested?

You should contact your primary care doctor to schedule an appointment.  The Cuyahoga County Board of Health also provides blood lead screenings at our clinic. An appointment may be made by calling the Clinic, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m. at (216)201-2041.

What can I do?

• Have your home checked for lead hazards. 
• Have your children less than 6 years of age tested for lead. 
• Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often. 
• Make sure children eat healthy, low-fat foods. 
• Regularly clean floors, window sills, window wells, and porches. 
• Cover bare soil with mulch. 
• Leave outside shoes at the door. 
• Keep painted surfaces in good condition.

How can I have my home checked?

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health will check a home at no charge if the child has a blood lead level greater than 10 ug/dl, or upon written request from the child's doctor. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health also conducts lead risk assessments upon request for a fee. (Click here to see an application)

You may qualify for free home repairs for lead hazards:

• Contact the Cuyahoga County Board of Health at 216-201-2000

HEPA Vacuum Loaner Program

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health has several HEPA vacuums that may be used by residents Cuyahoga County. The vacuum may be used to clean up lead dust and is loaned out for a period of 1 week at a time. There is no charge for the use of the HEPA vacuum. The person using the vacuum must have a valid driver's license or current Ohio identification card. The resident is responsible for picking up and dropping off the vacuum at the CCBH office. Contact our office at 216-201-2001 ext. 1213.

For those living outside of our jurisdiction, including the City of Cleveland or another county, please check out other HEPA vacuum loan sites.

Contact Information

Stephanie McConoughey, RS
Sanitarian Specialist
216-201-2001 ext 1244
smcconoughey@ccbh.net

John Sobolewski, RS
Supervisor
(216)201-2000 ext 1515
jsobo@ccbh.net